Travel chargers are often a series of compromises. They are either too big, too slow, or missing support for one of the devices you actually needed to charge. The Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 Qi2 charger is the rare accessory that gets almost everything right (except for one thing). It delivers 15-watt Qi2 fast charging for the iPhone, supports fast charging on the Apple Watch, and has a dedicated spot for AirPods. It folds down into a really compact circle that fit into any bag and has enough flexibility to work on your nightstand in Standby mode, a hotel desk, or a tray table on a plane. Read on to learn more about the Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1.
Some of my favorite gear Aqara Smart Lock U50 Upgrade your doors with Apple Home Key and the Aqara U50.
MagSafe Monday: Every Monday, Bradley Chambers looks at the latest MagSafe and wireless charging gear to help you get more out of your Apple devices.
Qi2 support and foldable design
The Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 charger utilizes the Qi standard, which enables official 15-watt fast charging for the iPhone, with strong magnets for fast alignment. The Apple Watch also features a 5-watt charging capability, and the AirPods case handles an additional 5 watts. Unfortunately, a power adapter is not included in the box, but Satechi recommends using a 36-watt or greater USB-C power brick. For the price point, I think it should have included a wall adaptor, though.
The magnets are strong enough to place your iPhone in StandBy mode on a nightstand, or flip it into landscape mode if you are watching a movie on a plane. The Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 also works flat if you want a simple charging pad.
The foldable design is the secret to why this charger works so well. Folded, it is smaller than most MagSafe batteries and slips into a jacket pocket without taking up any space. Unfold it, and you get a clean three-panel layout for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The hinge is sturdy, locks into place, and makes it easy to adjust depending on your position. It can be as simple as an iPhone charger on your desk or as elaborate as a full multi-device charging setup in a hotel room. It is one of the more flexible designs I have used, and it does not try to do too much overall.
Some of my favorite gear Abode Home Security System Abode is the best home security system and includes compatibility with HomeKit.
Daily use when traveling
One of the biggest benefits of the Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 is how little cable clutter this setup creates. You only need a single USB-C cable to run everything, and Satechi includes a nice one in the box along with a travel pouch. Again, I wish the USB-C wall adaptor were in the box for the price point. When I pack for a trip, I appreciate anything that reduces the clutter of loose cables and random adapters. This turns a three-device charger setup into a compact package that easily fits into a crossbody or laptop bag and occupies almost no space on a nightstand.
... continue reading